Matt Smith admits leaving Doctor Who could be a ‘huge mistake’

Matt Smith has admitted he may have made a ‘mistake’ quitting Doctor Who (Picture: Getty Images)

Doctor Who star Matt Smith has admitted that he could have made a ‘huge mistake’ in leaving the series.

Speaking at the Television Critics’ Association Press Tour in Los Angeles the actor – who will bow out of the show at Christmas – said Doctor Who had ‘transformed’ his career.

And he added that the enormity of his decision had occurred to him as a result.

‘The show has come to a natural tipping point,’ he said. ‘I’ll miss it. It’s a hard choice.

‘I’ve pondered it and I have thought I’ve made a huge mistake. It has been wonderful for my life and my family’s life,’ Smith added.

The actor is due to bow out of the series at Christmas (Picture: BBC)

Smith previous said at Comic Con in San Diego that despite making the decision to quit the show he was certain it would continue to get ‘bigger and better’.

The show will just keep going – and I’l follow it and they’ll get a brilliant actor [to replace me],’ he opined.

‘It carries on – it’s lovely, you’re part of a legend that doesn’t die.’

Smith will appear in the show’s 50th anniversary special in November before making his exit in the Christmas episode, when his replacement will make their debut.

Those tipped to take over include Rory Kinnear, Ben Daniels, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Dominic Cooper, David Harewood and Chiwetel Ejiofor – while Olivia Colman and Helen Mirren have been cited as possible candidates to become the first female Doctor.

The next actor – or actress – to take the role is likely to be revealed around August or September.